The most magical event of the last week in L.A. was the chic, floral and French-inspired Maison St. Germain soiree.

Dita Von Teese

Photo Credit: BFA

A star studded crowd including Olivia Culpo, Dita Von Teese, Eric Balfour, Natasha Bedingfield and Michelle Trachtenberg joined landscape artist and the brand’s Creative Director Lily Kwong, who turned a botanical fantasy into a reality at the Maison’s Los Angeles debut. Maison St-Germain is a celebration of St-Germain, the world’s first French liqueur made from delicate elderflower blossoms handpicked at the height of their beauty, during a maddeningly ephemeral growing season once a year. Kwong’s romantic-yet-whimsical journey honored the joyful decadence of summer indulgence, with an opportunity for guests to enjoy a rare fleeting moment of exuberance in the spirit of 1920s années folles.

Lily Kwong, Rocky Barnes

Photo Credit: BFA

Given that the invite-only shindig was held at the Houdini Estate, it made sense that elements of magical realism and mystique were incorporated throughout the five-acre property for guests to explore, layered with performances by bespoke magicians, a stimulating performance byNo)one. Art House improvisational sound art by Patrick Belaga and a secluded section for Celtic tarot reading

Kwong, who dressed in straight-off-the-runway Valentino, and artist Cleo Wade danced the night away to beats by Chelsea Leyland, while fabulous French hors d’oeuvres were served throughout. Following the event, all florals were donated to Simon Birch’s 14th Factory Gallery in Downtown LA to accompany the ‘Garlands’ installation’s disassembly, creating a one-day pop-up floral shop experience, where beautiful flowers will be gifted to the community of Lincoln Heights and the greater Los Angeles.

Chelsea Leyland, Lily Kwong

Photo Credit: BFA

HOW TO MAKE LILY KWONG’S ST. GERMAIN-INSPIRED COCKTAIL, THE LABYRINTHE